The Intense Lemon Flavor of Delizia al Limone
A vacation on the Amalfi Coast is not complete if you don’t explore the local cuisine. From pizza to pasta, fresh fish to desserts, many are the dishes worth trying! Most of them are prepared using products that grows in the area, such as the lemons used for an exceptional dessert; Delizia al Limone.
What is Delizia al Limone?
Delizia al Limone (Lemon Delight) is a dessert with a simple structure consisting of a dome of sponge cake soaked with a Limoncello syrup, filled and topped with a fluffy lemon cream. The surface of the Delizia can be decorated with a lemon glaze, wisps of whipped cream and candied lemon peels.
As we said, the typical shape of this dessert is the dome, but as you wander around the pastry shops in the towns along the Amalfi Coast, you might happen to see it in different shapes as well.
As you can imagine, it is a cold dessert, and it is perfect to end a meal with a citrus note. In the mouth you will find the sweetness of the cream, the freshness of the lemon and the intense aroma of Limoncello. Don’t think that the taste is too sour, on the contrary you will feel a perfect balance that will make you want to eat more.
The History of Delizia al Limone
It was 1978 when a famous pastry chef from Sorrento, Carmine Marzuillo, decided to create a dessert that celebrated the delicious lemons of the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. Marzuillo had the brilliant idea of using Limoncello, a local liqueur, to wet the sponge cake. No one had ever done this before, but it was this idea that gave the Delizia al Limone its unmistakable aroma, so different from all other desserts.
When Marzuillo presented the Delizia al Limone at a national pastry convention, it was a success. The dessert was awarded, and from that moment its fame began to spread throughout Italy.
Today it is one of the most beloved and well-known desserts in the world. Many pastry chefs have revisited the original recipe, creating very different but tasty variations.
What is so special about lemons from the Amalfi Coast.
The lemons of the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento are famous for their quality, which comes from the Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunny summers, perfect for growing plants. In addition, the soils are rich in minerals and offer the plants excellent nutrients. Finally, lemons are grown according to traditional methods, without the use of chemical pesticides.
The typical lemon of this area is the Sfusato Amalfitano, which has obtained the prestigious Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation. Compared to other lemons, Sfusato Amalfitano has more essential oils that give it a more intense aroma. It also has less acidity and keeps longer than other varieties.
Where to taste Delizia al Limone
There are many historic and renowned bakeries on the Amalfi Coast that sell this tasty dessert. We suggest two. At Pasticceria Pansa, in the Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi, you can find a more traditional Delizia al Limone, while at Pasticceria Sal De Riso in Minori you can taste a more modern version.
Since it is a cold dessert made with lemons, it is best tasted in summer, when lemons are at their peak and hot temperatures make it a refreshing treat. And if you like lemons, try the gelato too! If you want to enhance the citrus aroma even more, pair your Delizia al Limone with a small glass of Limoncello.
For your stay, choose one of our villas for rent on the Amalfi Coast.